PRESS DIGEST-New Zealand newspapers - March 2

WELLINGTON, March 2 (Reuters) - Following are some of the lead stories from New Zealand metropolitan newspapers on Monday.

Stories may be taken from either the paper or Internet editions of the papers.

Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

DOMINION POST(www.stuff.co.nz)

Plan for NZ$60m tourism boost: A NZ$60 million bid to boost tourism is on the cards as tourism numbers take a hit from the global downturn.

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Battle lines form over job probation law: Battle lines are today forming over Government legislation making it easier for small firms to sack workers.

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Climate, travel and unity in Sydney talks: Climate change, stimulating tourism and a single economic market are high on Prime Minister John Key's agenda during a two-day visit to Sydney.

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Contact (CEN.NZ) bond issue may hit NZ$500m: Contact Energy is expected to announce today that its $300 million bond issue will accept oversubscriptions of another $200m, offering returns of almost 9 percent

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ABC considers suitors' offers: The New Zealand arm of the failed Australian childcare company ABC Learning Centres Ltd (ABS.AX) said credible buyers have made offers for the business.

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NEW ZEALAND HERALD (www.nzherald.co.nz)

Asian trade breakthrough in Thailand: As fears of increased protectionism grow during the international financial crisis, New Zealand products are to benefit from a new trade deal signed up to in Thailand last night.